Chorkie -- Chihuahua X Yorkshire Terrier

		Chorkie
		He is not recognized by the F.C.I.


Origin			Mexico <> Great Britain -> U.S.A.
Translation			Francis Vandersteen
This breed is also known as			Yorkiechi Chiyorkie Yorkie-chi Yorkchi York-chi Chiorkie York Chi

A brief presentation of the Chorkie

The Chorkie is a mug-sized powerhouse, a tiny hybrid with the confidence and attitude of a Dogue de Bordeaux produced by the Chihuahua and Yorkshire Terrier parents. He's a lively, playful companion dog who inherits qualities from both parents: attentive and territorial thanks to his terrier ancestry, he also has the Chihuahua's penchant for barking, or barking to be more precise. This makes them excellent watchdogs. Although Chorkies are loving pets, they are not as clingy as other toy and hybrid breeds, and can withstand occasional separation from their owners, especially if they have another canine playmate.
Because of their small size, they are ideally suited as indoor dogs, and can do most of their exercise within the four walls of an apartment. However, they need an owner who can devote time to play on a daily basis, otherwise they get bored and misbehave. Training is an important aspect of Chorkie ownership, as these tiny dogs are quick to develop a high opinion of themselves and will abuse a permissive or insecure owner. This cross shares the same health problems as its parent breeds, and anyone wishing to acquire a Chorkie puppy should familiarize themselves with the Yorkshire and Chihuahua to know what to expect in terms of health and the like. Healthy Chorkies can be expected to live between 13 and 15 years.

History of the Chorkie

Although accidental crosses may have first produced Yorkshire Terriers and Chihuahuas long ago, the Chorkie was first baptized around 20 years ago and has become a relatively popular hybrid. Like its parents, it is a truly tiny dog, and breeders should be discouraged from exaggerating this trait, as the much sought-after so-called teacup dogs suffer from a wide range of health problems due to underdeveloped skeletons and internal and organ problems. Most Chorkies are first-generation crosses from pedigree parents, which means that no two Chorkies are identical in appearance or behavior. However, as some breeds are similar, certain generalizations can be made.
As well as having their small size in common, Yorkshires and Chihuahuas are overconfident in their attitude towards people and other dogs. They can also be a little lively and sensitive. This combines with their tendency to try to dominate their owners to mean that they can become difficult to live with without a pack leader and with proper guidance. Like any other dog, Chorkies should never be bred to think of themselves as usually cute little humans, as this is the way to create a monster. That's not to say they shouldn't be adored and cherished, but simply that certain signals, such as being carried or served at the kitchen table, send our pets messages quite different from the ones we want.

	A little of the Chihuahua
	Despite being the world's smallest dog breed, the Chihuahua has a big personality. These little dogs are loyal, intelligent and courageous. The breed is thought to have originated from wild dogs domesticated by the Toltecs, who then gained popularity in Mexico and then America, where they were refined. Today, they are a popular companion dog, appreciated for their charming yet bold characters and small size. Chihuahuas come in many colors and can be smooth or long-haired. It has an easy-care coat, which can be kept in order by brushing.

	Standard of the Chihuahua
	A little of the Yorkshire Terrier
	Yorkshire Terriers are intelligent little dogs with very affectionate characters. Originally developed in Yorkshire, as their name suggests, they were bred to control rat populations in cotton mills and coal mines. Today, they are kept only as companions, although they retain their strong Terrier character. Yorkshires should be compact and square, but well-proportioned in appearance and renowned for their long, silky hair. If allowed to grow, they may require intensive grooming, but for companion dogs, the coat can be cut short and is easy to maintain.

	Standard of the Yorkshire Terrier

Appearance of the Chorkie

Chorkies generally have the rounded skull of the Chihuahua with the expressive eyes of the Yorkshire to give them an incredibly cute appearance. The muzzle is fairly thin and tapered, leading to a black nose. Under- or over-exposure of the jaw is common. The ears are relatively large and their range varies from erect to erect. The body is slender and light, and the bones of the spine, pelvis and ribs are easy to feel when the dog reaches its ideal weight. The limbs are extremely bony, but should be straight and carried vertically when viewed from the front. The coat is soft and fine, and can be of any length, largely depending on that of the Chihuahua parent, which can be smooth or long. While the Yorkshire Terrier is generally black (or blue) and beige, the Chihuahua offers a wide range of possible colors and combinations, as does the Chorkie. They generally weigh around 3 kilos and average 22 centimeters in height.

Temperament of the Chorkie

Chorkies have personality in abundance, but that doesn't mean they're right for everyone. Their energy, confidence and self-assurance can make them a challenge to manage. So they're not ideal for novice owners. With good discipline and socialization, they are great fun and entertaining companions for adults, but rarely enjoy the company of children, who tend to be less predictable and considerate of small dogs. They can get on well with other small dogs, especially if raised with them, but they should never be left unsupervised with an unfamiliar large dog, as they are likely to stir up disagreements they are not equipped to handle. Chorkies are extremely vigilant guard dogs and bark persistently when they hear a disturbance. This can become a problem for some owners, especially in densely populated areas, and should be considered by anyone thinking of buying a Chorkie puppy.

Needs and activities of the Chorkie

The Chorkie needs a little exercise to keep him healthy and happy. He'll need 30 to 60 minutes of daily exercise, which can consist of daily walks, fetch, Frisbee and obedience games. As a small dog, he can easily live in an apartment or family home, with or without a fenced yard. He can live in very cold urban or rural environments. He'll shiver when he's cold, scared and nervous. You'll need to provide your Chorkie with extra protection in cold weather.

Maintenance of the Chorkie

The Chorkie is in a category that requires minimal grooming. He should be brushed at least once a week and washed no more than twice a month. He should have his ears checked and cleaned at least every two weeks, cleaning the long hairs on his ears to avoid infection. The area around his eyes should be wiped frequently to prevent debris from settling and creating an environment conducive to infection. Teeth should be checked and cleaned periodically, at least once a month, to prevent periodontal disease and resulting tooth loss.